Page 111 of Boss and Brat

The certainty in his voice made Ethan’s breath catch. His chest warmed, his eyes stinging unexpectedly.

His father shifted his gaze to Ethan. “And are you’re serious about him?”

Ethan nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah. I am.”

Another long pause. Ethan’s palms were sweating. His heart was trying to escape his ribs.

Then his dad leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. “Alright.”

Ethan blinked. “Alright?”

“Yes,” his father said. “I asked because I needed to understand the situation. Not because I’m against it.”

Ethan hadn’t realized how much he’d braced for rejection until the tension drained from his shoulders.

His dad continued, “I care about your future. I want to know you’re making choices that won’t hurt you later.”

Carter nodded. “I understand.”

Something inside Ethan settled—like a knot he’d carried for years loosened.

His father looked at him again, softer this time. “You’re still my son. That hasn’t changed.”

Ethan swallowed hard, blinking fast. “Thank you.”

Carter stayed close, not touching him, but his warmth was like a steady presence at his side.

For the first time in a long time, Ethan wasn’t fighting with his father. He was just… talking to him. And being heard.

His dad didn’t leave right away. He settled deeper into the chair, studying both of them as if he were piecing together apuzzle he’d half-solved. “Since we’re being honest,” he said, “I have more questions.”

Ethan’s stomach tightened. Carter straightened beside him, shoulders squared, ready.

Looking between them, his dad asked, “What exactly is the nature of this relationship?”

Heat crawled up Ethan’s neck. He hated how young he suddenly felt—like a kid caught doing something he shouldn’t. But he forced himself to meet his father’s eyes.

“It’s… new,” Ethan said. “But it’s real. We care about each other.”

Carter, voice steady, added, “I’m committed to him. I’m not playing games with your son.”

His father nodded slowly, absorbing that. Then his expression shifted—more serious, more weighted.

“You both need to understand something,” he said. “His mother will never accept this.”

A knot of anxiety tightened in Ethan’s chest. He’d known it but hearing it out loud still stung.

His father continued, “Some of the workers won’t either. People talk. People judge. You’ll face pushbacks. Maybe worse.”

Ethan swallowed hard. Carter shifted closer—not touching, but close enough that the man’s warmth shielded him.

“I can handle that,” Ethan said, though his voice wavered.

His dad gave him a long, assessing look. “I hope so. Because it won’t be easy. But remember, you and Carter have my full support. ”

Ethan nodded, trying to steady his breathing. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for all that, but he knew he wasn’t backing down.

Then he turned to Carter, his tone sharpening. “And you. How do you plan to emotionally support him through school?”